Breaking News: Billionaire developer Rick Caruso has decided not to enter the race for either Los Angeles mayor or California governor. This announcement has sent ripples through the political landscape, leaving many wondering what led to this surprising decision. Let's dive into the details!
Caruso, a prominent figure known for developing high-end malls like The Grove and the Americana at Brand, made the announcement after months of speculation. He shared his decision on X, citing "many heartfelt conversations" with his family as the primary reason. He emphasized that his commitment to public service remains strong, even without holding an elected office.
But here's where it gets controversial... Caruso's plans were the talk of political circles, and he seemed to confirm a campaign was on the horizon. Just days before his announcement, when asked if he would not run for office, Caruso responded, "That option is pretty much off the table now." This sudden shift has left many political analysts and consultants scratching their heads.
Caruso expressed his disappointment in stepping back from an election he believed was critical to California's future. Instead, he will focus on his non-profit, Steadfast LA, which supports victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
In 2022, Caruso spent a staggering $100 million of his own money to run for Los Angeles mayor, ultimately losing to Karen Bass by nearly 10 percentage points. This loss, despite outspending his opponent by a significant margin (11 to 1), highlights the complexities of California politics.
Political consultant Mike Murphy, who was advising Caruso, expressed surprise at the decision, suggesting it was driven by family and quality-of-life considerations rather than winnability. Murphy also mentioned that polling data in both the mayoral and gubernatorial races looked promising for Caruso.
Another consultant, Tim Rosales, was also taken aback, especially as he had received information indicating Caruso would indeed run for governor. Rosales, who primarily works with Republican candidates, noted the immense difficulty of running for California governor, calling it second only to running for president.
Adding to the intrigue, consultant Rob Stutzman pointed out the unusually long list of individuals who have opted out of the gubernatorial race this year, including former Vice President Kamala Harris. This raises questions about the challenges and potential drawbacks of seeking the state's highest office.
Caruso's background includes serving as president of the L.A. Police Commission and a position on the Department of Water and Power board, giving him a long history of public service. Since his mayoral loss in 2022, he has consistently criticized Mayor Bass, particularly regarding her handling of the Palisades fire.
Caruso's decision not to run for mayor largely solidifies the field for the 2026 race against Bass, with candidates like Austin Beutner and Lindsey Horvath already expressing interest. The entry of former reality star Spencer Pratt has also added a new layer of intrigue.
Mayor Bass's campaign declined to comment on Caruso's decision. Bass has faced criticism for her handling of the Palisades fire, including her absence from the city during the initial outbreak. Caruso has been vocal in his criticism, particularly regarding the city's alleged mismanagement during the fire.
Here's a potential point of contention: Had Caruso run for governor, his past party affiliation (he switched to Democrat in 2022 after being a Republican) could have been a hurdle. However, his focus on public safety and quality-of-life issues might have resonated with voters seeking an alternative to the current candidates.
The field of potential gubernatorial candidates is diverse, including established politicians and wealthy individuals. The top Democratic contenders include Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, and Antonio Villaraigosa, while Republicans include Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
In the year leading up to his decision, Caruso traveled extensively to meet with various stakeholders. Political science professor Sara Sadhwani suggests that Caruso's polling likely played a role in his decision, and that a loss in either race could have further hindered his future prospects in elected office.
What do you think? Do you agree with Caruso's decision? Do you think he would have been a strong candidate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
